Qualification requirements

• Typically, a minimum of one year’s experience in practice with a minimum of two days a week (minimum of 12 hours per week accumulating to 360 hours per year of study in a relevant role, either as an employee or a volunteer). • In exceptional cases, it might be appropriate to recruit students directly from a Level 3 apprenticeship or other courses in which it can be demonstrated that there is a significant element of professional practice. • Typically, a Level 3 Diploma, NVQs, access to HE programmes, subject/vocational qualifications: however, the course welcomes applicants with non-traditional level 3 qualifications. • We encourage applications from mature students and recognise that their experience or qualifications may differ from those mentioned previously. This is supported by the QAA Characteristics of Foundation Degrees (QAA, 2024 p.7), that states Universities should have “flexible admissions requirements, including the establishment of effective procedures to assist applicants from diverse backgrounds who may be able to demonstrate their suitability for entry onto a foundation degree in a variety of ways.” • Students are required to complete and submit a signed Workplace Agreement, endorsed by the head teacher or workplace manager of the setting where they are employed or volunteer. The Workplace Agreement formalises the tripartite partnership between the student, the setting, and the University, and confirms that the student holds a current and valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. • Submission of a completed Workplace Agreement is a strict condition of enrolment and until the Workplace Agreement has been received by the University Placement Office, the student is provisionally enrolled. • Instructions on the return of the Workplace Agreement is provided during the enrolment and induction process. Students who fail to meet this requirement within the specified timeframe may be subject to an enforced break in learning, unless exceptional circumstances apply. In line with the priority which it gives to promoting opportunities for lifelong learning and widening access to Higher Education, the University welcomes applications from prospective students who are seeking to gain exemption from some parts of an academic programme by gaining Recognition of Prior Learning. Such claims may be based either on a previous course of study or on experience gained in paid employment or voluntary activities, bridging assignments are also available if required to enable students seeking direct entry into Levels 5 to meet programme specific Level 4 module outcomes if previous study does not align with the corresponding the University FdA learning outcomes.